Whether you want to foster a love of exploration or just keep kids content in the backseat on the family vacation, here’s a list of holiday gifts that won’t disappoint the little people on your list.

SmartGlobe,  ages 5 and up, $119

Make learning about geography fun and easy with the interactive, talking Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe.  It quizzes kids on countries, capitals, major cities, languages, history and more.  Download customized information for three age groups: 5-8, 9-14, or 15 and up (sorry Mac users, it’s PC only).

Kids’ Digital Video Camera, ages 3-8, $80

Got a budding cinematographer in the family?  Me too.  Keep your own video camera safe by giving your child a much more durable one to play with.  The Disney Flix Jr. has 15 minutes of record time and a 1.5-inch color playback screen that will provide hours of fun.

Zoob Tube, ages 3 and up, $20

This 20-piece Zoob Tube play set is not only a great size for travel, but it will also keep kids of all ages happy and quiet at home or on the road.  Zoob parts move, so your kids can play with their creations after building them instead of just looking at them.

Audio Books, all ages, prices vary

Once you get your kids hooked on audio books, you’ll wonder what took you so long.  The whole family can armchair travel to New York City with The Cricket in Times Square  or to China with Tikki Tikki Tembo.  Younger kids can read along happily with book and CD sets like Snow and The Scrambled States of America.

Kids Travel Journal, ages 6-11, $10

A journal can be a great souvenir of a trip (and filling its pages a great source of entertainment), but blank books are daunting to kids.  Where to begin?  How about with a spiral-bound kids travel journal that invites kids to draw maps, describe daily activities, and list favorites?

Rubberneckers, ages 8 and up, $13

Rubberneckers is a hilarious card game for two or more players that can only be played in the car.  Each player draws five cards and tries to spot the items described on them (helicopter, cow, roadkill, bumper stickers, and so on) or get other drivers to do things such as return a peace sign or wave.   Play for points or just for fun.

Wikki Stix, ages 3-8, $8 and up

Fun, flexible Wikki Stix have become my go-to restaurant toy, and they work equally well in backseats and on airplanes.  These wax coated pieces of yarn can be cleanly sculpted into just about anything for hours of traveling fun.  Their 84-piece Activity Set is just right for ages 3-5, and Tons of Fun works well for ages 6-8.